In the UK, each year over 1000 babies die or are left with severe brain injury – not because they are born too soon or too small, or have a congenital abnormality, but because something goes wrong during labour. The RCOG does not accept that all of these are unavoidable tragedies, and with the Each Baby Counts project we are committed to reducing this unnecessary suffering and loss of life by 50% by 2020.

Watch the video below to find out more about the background to Each Baby Counts and what we aim to achieve.

How Each Baby Counts will achieve its aims

Currently, stillbirths, neonatal deaths and brain injuries occurring due to incidents in labour are investigated at a local level. The Each Baby Counts project team will, for the first time, bring together the results of these local investigations to understand the bigger picture and share the lessons learned.

From 2015, we began collecting and analysing data from all UK units to identify lessons learned to improve future care. We will then be able to make recommendations on how to improve practice at a national level.

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Why Each Baby Counts matters

Stillbirth, death of a newborn baby or the birth of a baby with brain injuries are life-changing events that significantly affect women and their families. Each Baby Counts is collating stories from affected families to demonstrate the devastating impact of these events.